Marco Papacci, president of the National Association of Italy-Cuba Friendship (ANAIC), emphasized that the event, presided over by Leonardo Masi, mayor of that town in the central Italian region of Tuscany, reaffirmed the close ties of brotherhood and solidarity between the peoples of both nations.

In his exchange with Hernandez, one of the five anti-terrorist fighters imprisoned for many years in US prisons for defending their country, Masi emphasized the goal of promoting actions to demand an end to Washington’s measures against Cuba, which violate human rights.

The Cuban hero, a Parliament member and of the Council of State, explained the repercussion of the blockade imposed by the US government for more than 60 years, which has severely impacted the island’s development and the lives of its citizens.

For her part, Marianna Gorpia, secretary of the Anaic circle in Empoli, noted that “in recent days, the blockade has been reinforced by the Trump administration, which included Cuba on the list of countries that finance terrorism, an unfounded decision and a historical falsehood,” with the aim of increasing pressure.

Gorpia also recalled the bond that has united Empoli and Cuba since the 1990s, thanks in large part to the association’s activities. “We have managed to carry out numerous projects, thanks in part to the willingness show by both the local mayor’s office and other regional institutions.”

In a message posted on social media, the mayor of Empoli expressed, following that meeting with Gerardo Hernandez, that “following the even greater restrictions imposed by the United States on June 30, 2025, we commit to the city council expressing its opinion on this matter again.”

mem/ort